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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
The Evangeline Parish Assessor’s Office has provided several helpful examples of typical frequently asked questions regarding property valuations, ownership records, and homestead exemptions.
If you have any further questions or require assistance with your property assessment records, please feel free to call the office directly at (337) 363-4310 or visit them at the courthouse located at 200 Court Street, Suite 103, in Ville Platte, Louisiana.
1. Filing for a Homestead Exemption
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Question: "I just bought a home in Ville Platte. How do I file for my homestead exemption, and what do I need to bring with me?"
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Answer: To file for a homestead exemption (which exempts up to the first $75,000 of the fair market value of your primary residence from local property taxes), you must visit the Assessor's Office or contact them directly.You will need to bring:
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Your recorded Act of Sale (provided by your title company after closing).
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A valid Louisiana Driver’s License or State ID showing the property's physical address
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Note: Under Louisiana law, you must own and occupy the home by December 31st of the tax year you are applying for.
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2. Disagreeing with Property Assessments
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Question: "Why did my property's assessed value go up this year, and what can I do if I think it's too high?"
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Answer: Assessors in Louisiana are required by law to reappraise all real property every four years. If your value changed, it reflects state-mandated market adjustments based on recent real estate sales in your neighborhood.
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If you disagree with the valuation, you have the right to appeal during the public exposure period (typically in August, when the assessment rolls are open for public inspection). You can schedule an informal review with the Assessor's Office to present evidence (such as a recent independent appraisal or photos of property damage) showing why the market value should be lower.
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3. Updating Ownership After a Family Death
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Question: "My parent recently passed away and left me their house in Evangeline Parish. How do I get the property tax assessment records changed into my name?"
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Answer: The Assessor's Office cannot legally change property ownership names based solely on a death certificate or a verbal request. To update the assessment records, the office requires official legal documentation filed through the Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court, such as a Judgment of Possession from a succession, a small succession affidavit, or a recorded act of transfer. Once those legal documents are recorded with the Clerk of Court, the Assessor will update the mapping and ownership records.
4. Directing Tax Payment Confusion
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Question: "I am here to pay my property tax bill for this year. Which window do I go to?"
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Answer: This is a very common point of confusion. The Assessor’s Office determines who owns property and how much it is valued at, but they do not collect taxes.
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You will need to take your bill down the hall or contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office (Civil Division & Tax Collector), which is responsible for mailing tax notices, collecting payments, and handling delinquent taxes
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